Neem

Neem is native to India and Burma. It is the state tree of Andhra Pradesh. Neem is a fast growing tree that can reach a height of 15-20 m, rarely to 35-40 m. It is evergreen but under severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or oval and may reach the diameter of 15-20 m in old, free-standing specimens. The trunk is relatively short, straight and may reach a diameter of 1.2 m. The bark is hard, fissured or scaly, and whitish-grey to reddish-brown. The sapwood is greyish-white and the heartwood reddish when first exposed to the air becoming reddish-brown after exposure. The root system consists of a strong taproot and well developed lateral roots. The alternate, pinnate leaves are 20-40 cm long, with 20-31 medium to dark green leaflets about 3-8 cm long. The shape of mature leaflets is more or less asymmetric and their margins are serrated. The flowers (white and fragrant) are arranged axillary, normally more-or-less drooping panicles which are up to 25 cm long. The inflorescences, which branch up to the third degree, bear 150-250 flowers. An individual flower is 5-6 mm long and 8-11 mm wide.The fruit is a glabrous olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish, and when ripe are 1.4-2.8 x 1.0-1.5 cm. But Neem is far more than a tough tree that grows vigorously in difficult sites. Among its many benefits, the one that is most unusual and immediately practical is the control of farm and household pests. Some entomologists now conclude that neem has such remarkable powers for controlling insects that it will usher in a new era in safe,natural pesticides

Although neem is one of the most ancient and most widely used herbs on earth, intense scientific investigations of the properties of neem are only now being undertaken. These studies are quickly verifying the efficacy of its traditional uses and are finding even more uses for neem. This illustrates again that traditional wisdom can guide the efforts of modern science in discovering remedies for human ailments.
From almost the very beginning of recorded human history, people have taken advantage of the remarkable neem tree. Even before ancient herbalists discovered the analgesic qualities of the willow tree-from which aspirin is derived -people used branches, fruit and leaves from the neem tree to cure many illnesses. Its medicinal qualities are outlined in the earliest Sanskrit writings and its uses in Hindu medicine date back to very remote times. Even today, rural Indians refer to the neem tree as their "village pharmacy" because it cures diseases and disorders ranging from bad teeth and bedbugs to ulcers and malaria.
Modern scientists are finding even more uses for this remarkable tree. The seeds, bark and leaves contain compounds with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti -ulcer and antifungal use. Although major studies to conclusively prove neem's effectiveness are limited by financing and the general lack of knowledge in the west about it, preliminary studies suggest exciting uses for neem:
Psoriasis- Neem seed oil and leaf extracts have been successfully treating the symptoms of psoriasis. It relieves the itching and pain while reducing the scales and redness of the patchy lesions.
Diabetes- Oral doses of neem leaf extracts reduced insulin requirements by between 30% and 50% for nonketotic, insulin fast and insulin-sensitive diabetes.
AIDS- The National Institutes of Health reports encouraging results from in vitro tests for neem as an antiviral agent against the AIDS virus.
Cancer- Polysaccharides and limonoids found in neem found in neem bark, leaves and seed oil reduced tumors and cancers without side effects in a number of different studies.
Heart disease- Neem extracts have delayed the coagulation of blood, calmed erratic heartbeats and helped reduce elevated heart rates and high blood pressure.
Herpes- Recent tests in Germany show that neem extracts are toxic to the herpes virus and can aid in a rapid healing of cold sores.
Periodontal disease- German and American researchers have proven that neem extracts prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Dermatology- Neem is highly effective in treading skin disorders like acne, eczema, itching, dandruff and warts.
Allergies- Neem has antihistamine propertied that help inhibit allergic reactions when applied externally or consumed as a decoction.
Ulcers- Neem extracts give significant protection from discomfort and speed the healing of gastric and duodenal lesions.
Many of the more difficult to treat disorders against which neem has proven to be effective include heart disease, disease, diabetes, psoriasis, malaria, ulcers, Candida and gum disease. These diseases do not always respond to the most advanced treatments available through modern medicine. Neem offers its users the ability to take action against these and other seemingly intractable diseases with a safe and time-proven herb.
Back of the Book
NEEM, The Ultimate Herb is the most comprehensive book about neem available. This book presents current information about neem, one of the most ancient and widely used herbs on earth. A major herbal ingredient in Ayurvedic preparations, neem has been revered in India for over 4,000 years, yet is almost unknown to the West.
Neem has historically been used to help the body fight both temporary and chronic conditions. It is this long history of successful use against many diseases and ailments that provided the impetus for the hundreds of scientific studies into the properties and uses of neem that this book details.
Called possibly the most promising of all plants, neem yields a wide array of products. They range from non-toxic pest control to inexpensive medicines for many of the world's worst diseases and birth control for both men and women. This book concentrates on the medicinal properties while providing enough information about all of neem's marvelous attributes to answer most questions.
This book also provides easy-to -understand instructions for using neem along with credible scientific evidence as to its effectiveness. After finishing this book, you will understand and appreciate the amazing qualities in neem. You will also be able to more intelligently select quality neem products for your own use.